Swann says threat from Aussie quicks being exaggerated

ALTHOUGH Graeme Swann was a canny spinner, he is no stranger to the art of fast bowling.

He was on the receiving end of Mitchell Johnson’s sudden burst of firepower during the last Ashes Down Under when the twirler retired mid- series as England were pumped 5- 0.

So, England fans who have a dreaded feeling of history repeating might like to hear what he has to say about the current crop of Aussie quicks, led by Mitchell Starc.

Swann says their bowling prowess has been over- hyped leading up to the first Test in Brisbane.

“Australia have lost their best fast bowler in James Pat- tinson,” he said. “Mitchell Starc can get it through all right but he’s not as quick as Mitchell Johnson used to be.

“Josh Hazlewood is not quick. Pat Cummins doesn’t stay fit for more than two or three games.

“People are more worried about Australia’s bowlers than the England team are.

“They’re thinking ‘ hallelu- jah’ James Pattinson is injured – it’s a massive boost for England.”

However, Swann said that England captain Joe Root still had a vital role in preparing his men before battle.

Firstly, tell them to be less British, and secondly, help them find their “Zen”.

“There are loads of things that could trip them up, but the trick for England is not think about them,” he said.

“It’s a very English way of thinking: ‘ what’s the one thing that will mess this up?’. Why think that?

“Like ‘ what if there’s a monsoon the day before?’ It’s crazy talk. Everything will go perfectly. That’s what England should be instilling in their players.” to